NON-NATIVE TURTLES

Don’t mistake non-native turtles for natives!

The snapping turtle and the red-eared slider are important variables in the survival and health of their native ecosystems.
Unfortunately, in Oregon, they are transmitting disease to our native turtles as well as out-competing them for basking sites and food.

:: Description

:: Habitat

Lives in areas with a calm, warm water source, with lots of aquatic vegetation

Found in ponds, lakes, creeks, marshes and streams

Thrives in warm climates, especially the southern United States

::Current distribution

Native populations are found around the Mississippi River down to the Gulf of Mexico

Due to their popularity as a pet, they have been introduced throughout the United States and the world

:: Feeding

Young turtles feed on insects and small fish

Adults feed mainly on aquatic plants

::Ecology

Requires logs and rocks to bask on

Does not stray too far from a water source unless searching for a new one

Average lifespan about 20 years in the wild and 40 years in captivity

:: Nesting

Males reach sexual maturity around 4 inches in shell length

Females reach sexual maturity around 5 inches in shell length

Females nest on land

:: Impact

Red-eared sliders use nesting sites similar to native turtles. Since they lay their eggs a month earlier than native turtles, they attract predators to nesting sites

Compete with native turtles for food, basking and nesting sites, and covering habitat

Introduce parasites and diseases that wild populations have no immunity for

The
Lower Willamette Turtle Conservation Project was formed to share
expertise among various organizations and agencies involved in turtle
conservation and to promote appreciation and conservation of turtles
by all Oregonians.